The Older the Better

While my three-year-old sister is learning the alphabet, my seven-year-old sister is memorizing the multiplication table and my 15-year-old sister is just beginning to explore the world on a social scale, I have already experienced many of my exciting milestones.  Being the elder sister to my three siblings has its perks.  Whether I am taking on the role as a leader or gaining more privileges and responsibilities, being the oldest sibling far outweighs the advantages of being the younger.

As role models to their younger siblings, older siblings are more likely to become natural leaders.  Because younger siblings constantly look up to and idolize their older brothers or sisters, the oldest child already possesses leader-like qualities.  Whether I am helping one of my sisters write an essay or teaching another sister how to perfect cursive writing, my siblings look up to me in times of need.  I lead them through multiple rites of passage and therefore take on the role as a guide.

Generally, parents are more excited about their first child because the process is an entirely new experience.  When this child says his or her first word or takes his or her first step, it is very special.  As their first child grows up and matures, the “firsts” become more sentimental with memorable moments like prom and graduation.  Out of all four children, my baby book is the only one that is fully complete.

Being an older child comes with a greater sense of responsibility.  Because older siblings care for the younger, they have more opportunities for freedom and success in return.  Most parents want all their children to be the best people possible, so they give them more opportunities to grow and develop into well-mannered adults.  In doing so, many parents hire their oldest child to babysit his or her younger siblings, allowing the older child to make money and feel a sense of authority and accomplishment.

Older siblings generally benefit more than their younger counterparts.  Because they act as role models, they have the skills to succeed in leadership positions in the future, gain more attention from their parents and earn responsibility skills.  Whether you are the older of two or the oldest of four siblings, like me, the role as the oldest child is beneficial throughout both childhood and adulthood.

Written by Peyton Herzog – Features Editor

The Perks of Being a Younger Sibling

While many of my friends only have the opportunity to be a younger or older sibling, I have the best of both worlds.  With one younger sister and two older sisters, I can confidently say that being the younger sibling is the prime spot in the family.  Since I was a little girl, I have always enjoyed basking in the glory of compliments and being the center of attention at every family function.  Before my younger sister was born, I was the apple of my parents’ eyes.  Whether I was constantly being coddled or asked to showcase my talent and knowledge of the alphabet, I was very comfortable in the limelight.

My older sisters have guided me through many life experiences.  At the age of ten, my biggest fear was talking in front of my fifth grade class.  With a pit in my stomach and sweaty palms, both my older sisters gave me a preparation talk before the big day that I will always remember.  Their words of wisdom not only calmed me down in that moment but also provided me with confidence to share my writing with an audience.

Having two older sisters taught me some of the most important life skills that every girl should acquire.  My siblings never walked out of the door without applying the makeup essentials including eyeliner, blush and lip gloss.  From ages 3 to 12 I was seen as their personal dress up doll as opposed to just their younger sister.  Although I used to hate the clown-like mess on my face, watching them beautify me later on provided me with the makeup techniques that otherwise I would have never known.

While both of my parents have always supported me in all aspects of my life, my older sisters have voluntarily taken on the role as my two back-up parents.  When my parents are busy at work or unable to tend to my infinite demands and desires, my sisters step in to rescue me from my possible mental breakdowns.  From a ride to the mall to a needed sleepover after an emotional crisis, my older sisters never disappoint me.

As our lives have progressed and we are consumed by our busy schedules, I have come to realize the significant role my older sisters have played throughout my childhood.  Although we no longer live under the same roof, I find comfort knowing that they are both just a phone call away.

Written by Gabi Weiss – Entertainment Editor